Oral hygiene products and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed towards a composition for highly efficient and quick plaque and tartar removal and inhibition including pure ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars (vitamin C) and an enamel repairing composition such as hydroxyapatite. The composition can contain from about 10% up to 90% of ascorbic acid without compromising the tooth enamel because hydroxyapatite will repair any damage to the enamel. The composition can be used as dental powder, toothpaste, mouthwash, mouth spray and chewing gum in order to cover a wide range of consumers in different settings.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/365,167.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compositions and methods useful in promotingoral health and hygiene.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tooth decay and gum inflammation are related to the activity ofmicrobial plaque, which consists of bacterial products, leukocytes,epithelial cells and saliva components. In the presence of saliva,proliferating bacteria attach to places with retained food such as gumline, tongue, tooth spacing, pits and fissures. The bacteria decomposeretained food, releasing toxic substances and forming plaque and tartar(an advanced formation of plaque). This results in bad breath, guminflammation and dental caries.

The majority of oral care products are artificial and harmful wheningested. Some of them induce allergic reactions and others are evencarcinogenic when presented in high dosages. Antibiotics have also beenused to fight plaque formation. However, antibiotic applications usuallyresult in the development of resistant microorganisms. As a consequence,there is a trend toward the use of safe ingredients in oral careproducts. Also, the emphasis in oral hygiene has been placed on chemicalmethods of removing plaque and tartar. These chemical methods eliminatethe need for the mechanical action of scrapers.

The present invention relates to a safe oral composition, whichchemically removes plaque and tartar. Moreover, it inhibits furtherplaque accumulation and tartar information. Thus, the invention ishighly efficient in plaque and tartar removal and inhibition. Theinvention is also a natural teeth whitener and a preservative.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Oral care products containing safe ingredients, such as baking soda, arewell known. However, high concentration of baking soda required toprovide adequate cleaning is abrasive and distasteful.

Saponin is another type of safe plaque cleanser, which produces foamingand cleans without the use of artificial surfactants. However, saponinsare of plant origin (Quillaja and/or Yucca tree) and have to beextracted from plants, which is a laborious and time consuming process.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a safe ingredient and has been used in oralcompositions. However, those compositions usually contain small amountof ascorbic acid and mainly rely on other cleaning ingredients. Othercompositions use ascorbic acid but fail to efficiently utilize itsstrong and safe cleaning capacity heavily relying on catalysts forauto-oxidation, such as copper, and the synergetic action of othercleaning agents. None of the above prior art describes, suggests orrenders obvious the enormous cleaning capacity of pure ascorbic acidcrystals and/or granulars unaided by other cleaning agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

While the prior art avoids using high concentrations of ascorbic acid asharmful to the tooth enamel, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention can contain from about 10 up to 90% of ascorbic acid sincehydroxyapatite will efficiently repair and protect the enamel. Also,while the prior art compositions require treatment longer than oneminute, the preferred embodiment of the present invention requires onlya 30 second treatment.

Again, the present invention is directed to an oral composition forplaque and tartar removal and control. The composition contains purecrystals and/or granulars of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) andhydroxyapatite. When used in high concentrations (from 10% up to about90%), ascorbic acid is highly efficient in quickly dissolving anddetaching plaque and tartar upon contact. Such high concentrations willnot compromise the tooth enamel because hydroxyapatite will repair andprotect it. In one exemplary embodiment, any irritation, such as, oralmucosa that may be caused by the ascorbic acid can be prevented by usingsome form of menthol in composition.

The invention chemically dissolves plaque and tartar in usually lessthan 60 second. It eliminates the need for additional cleaning agentsand the mechanical action of scrapers. Furthermore, the invention ishighly efficient in inhibiting plaque accumulation and tartar formationif used consistently.

The most efficient form of the present inventions is the dental powdercontaining from 10% up to 90% of ascorbic acid crystals and/orgranulars. However, the invention can be used in a liquid form asaqueous and alcohol aqueous solutions containing about 10-40% ofascorbic acid. The invention can contain additional ingredients such assweeteners, flavoring and coloring agents, and can be used in a used ina variety of commercial products such as toothpaste, chewing gum,mouthwash with and without alcohol and mouth spray in order to cover awide range of consumers in different settings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved plaque andtartar removal and control. The invention is based on the enormouscleaning capacity of pure ascorbic acid crystals, granulars and/or anyother form of pure ascorbic acid unaided by additional cleaningingredients. Please note, a grandular form of ascorbic acid may be usedinstead of the crystalline form.

The present invention uses high concentrations of ascorbic acid wherehydroxyapatite is used to repair and protect the tooth enamel. It isworthy to note, that ascorbic acid is the preferred compound of thepresent invention but any acidic compound that incorporates highcleaning efficacy may be used as a substitute for the ascorbic acid.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a non-toxic compound, which is harmlesswhen ingested. It has been known that vitamin C deficiency causes scurvywhen collagen formation is compromised. In addition, a diet deficient invitamin C renders gingiva more susceptible to bacterial attacks. Thus,ascorbic acid is not only harmless but also important for the humanorganism's healthy functioning. Therefore, it is one of the objects ofthe present invention to provide a safe oral hygiene composition, whichpromotes human health.

The harmless nature of the present invention makes it even more suitablefor use by children. Since many parents are not able to efficientlycontrol their children's oral hygiene, the present invention solves thisproblem by providing a safe, healthy and efficient cleaning procedureeliminating the need for long and extensive brushing.

Different studies have confirmed the role of microbial plaque as a majorfactor in dental caries and periodontal diseases. The most common typesof periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis isan early stage gum disease characterized by gum inflammation, swellingand bleeding. Periodontitis is a late stage gum disease, in which toothsupporting bone is slowly lost. In view of plaque's major role in dentaldiseases, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide safeand effective oral hygiene composition for combating bacteria associatedwith dental plaque, caries, and periodontal diseases.

Pure ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars (more than 70% purity) inthe form of dental powder can be viewed as the most efficient embodimentof the invention. The size of the crystals and/or granulars can be butis not limited to 5 u-50 u. When used in high concentrations (rangingfrom over 10% to about 90%), the ascorbic acid crystals and/or granularshave enormous cleaning capacity eliminating the need for other cleaningagents and further mechanical cleaning. Such high concentrations areextremely effective in killing a wide spectrum of bacteria comprisingthe oral microflora: Actinomyces viscosus, alpha Streptococcus, Candidaalbicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcusepidermidis and Streptococcus mutants.

The present invention does not compromise the tooth enamel even in thepresence of 90% or more of ascorbic acid since the hydroxyapatite willprotect and repair the enamel. The invention can contain from 0.2% up toabout 1.0% of hydroxyapatite but the preferred amount is 0.46% byweight.

Hydroxyapatite is the major component, and an essential ingredient, ofnormal bone and teeth. It is a thermally unstable compound, decomposingat temperature from about 800-1200° C. depending on its stoichiometry.Hydroxyapatite supports bone ingrowth and osseointegration when used inorthopaedic, dental and maxillofacial applications.

Hydroxyapatite adheres to the surfaces of teeth and promotes theirrecalcification and strengthening. It has been successfully used in adental fine filling method for protecting and restoring pits, fissuresand lesions in enamel. Also, hydroxyapatite absorbs dental plaquecausing tooth decay. Studies have showed the absorption of oralStreptococci to hydroxyapatite.

In addition to ascorbic acid and hydroxyapatite, the dental powder formof the present invention contains about 10-20% tricalcium phosphate,0.1-0.2% menthol and 4-6% zinc citrate. Tricalcium phosphate is used asa filler and carrier for the ascorbic acid crystals, menthol is a localanesthetic and counterirritant, and zinc citrate is an agent preventingplaque adherence to the tooth enamel. The dental powder can also containfluoride (especially in regions where water has insufficient amount offluoride), sweeteners, flavoring and coloring agents.

Ascorbic acid is also a natural whitener, eliminating the need foradditional whitening agents. However, the dental powder can containadditional whitening ingredients such as sodium carbonate peroxidase(about 3-5%) and hydrated silica (about 5-7%).

The ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars can also be included inwater-free pastes such as a water-free glycerol paste, chewing gums,aqueous and alcohol aqueous solutions. The aqueous solutions can containup to 80% water and the alcohol solutions can contain up to 30%denatured alcohol and up to 50% water. The alcohol solutions can containthymol, menthol or other alcohols.

It is important to note that ascorbic acid is a preservative and itssolutions need not be specially stored or packaged in sealed containers.Given invention's preserving characteristics, its solutions can be madewith tap water without compromising the solutions' cleaning properties.However, purified water is preferred. Also, the invention can useadditional preservatives such as sodium benzoate in an amount of about0.2-0.4%.

The present invention can contain other ingredients includingsweeteners, flavoring and coloring agents could be added to achievedifferent tastes and flavors.

Suitable sweeteners are sodium saccharine, aspartame, cyclamates,sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol. The preferred sweeteners,however, are sodium saccharine (0.01-0.02%). Suitable flavoring agentsare natural and synthetic oils. The preferred flavoring is a combinationof spearmint and peppermint in an amount of about 0.2-0.4%. However, theinvention can contain other flavoring agents such as cinnamon oil,wintergreen oil, bay oil, citrus oil, lemon oil, lime oil clove oil andmenthol.

The invention can also contain medications or bioactive ingredients suchas antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-bacterial, analgesicand immunosuppressive agents.

The dental powder form of the present invention becomes liquid uponcontact with saliva and chemically dissolves and detaches plaque fromteeth, gum and tongue in about 15 to 90 seconds. Furthermore, the formedliquid quickly breaks the barrier between the teeth and calcifiedtartar.

Similarly, the solution forms of the invention react with plaque andform a fatty like substance, which detaches and washes plaque and tartaraway from teeth, gum and tongue. This eliminates the need for mechanicalscrapers, and their maintenance and storage. The solutions can alsoremove plaque between teeth depending on the strength of the rinse whichprovides access to the narrowest places. The amount of crystals and/orgranulars in those solutions can be varied in order to comfortablyachieve the desired taste and effectiveness.

Thus, one of the improved functions of the present invention is the fastand efficient plaque removal and inhibition. Plaque is a fatty substanceconsisting of bacterial colonies surrounded by gel-like intercellularsubstance derived chiefly from the bacteria themselves. Plaque alsocontains saliva, epithelial cells and leukocytes. It usually accumulateson tooth surface, gum, gum line and tongue resulting in bad breath, gumdisorders and caries. Bacterial colonies of the plaque use dietarycarbohydrates as a source of energy producing acids. The acidsdemineralize tooth enamel and dentine attacking gum tissue and reactingwith the calcium in the teeth.

Persons brushing their teeth normally take approximately 1 minutelimiting exposure time to either chemical or mechanical action. Mostdentists and oral hygienists recommend longer treatments for efficientplaque removal. However, the invention acts quickly chemicallydissolving plaque and tartar, and leaving smooth tooth surface, cleangum and tongue in less than 15 to 90 seconds. Furthermore, ascorbic acidsoftens plaque formed between teeth and loose gum. Plaque accumulationis inhibited resulting in tighten gum line, fresh breath and refreshingmouth taste. As a consequence, dental caries and periodontal diseasesare effectively prevented:

Another improved function of the present invention is the fast andefficient tartar removal and inhibition. Tarter constitutes an advancedformation of plaque. Tarter is formed when inorganic salts and phosphatein saliva, deposit on plaque. This leads to calcification and a hardsurface formation, which is difficult to remove. Leaving tartar forlonger time periods may result in serious tooth and gum disorders.Tarter is usually removed by mechanical means such as ultrasonicscrapers, picks and brushes. However, ascorbic acid tends to break downthe barrier between the teeth and calcified tartar. Thus, eachapplication of the invention shrinks and inhibits tartar formationresulting in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases.

The present invention can be used in a variety of commercial productforms, such as mouthwash, mouth spray, toothpaste, dental powder andchewing gum in order to cover a wide range of consumers in differentsettings. While mouthwash and toothpaste and dental powder are moresuitable for domestic use, mouth spray and chewing gum can beuniversally applied.

The toothpaste and dental powder form of the invention are more suitablefor use in domestic settings, where they are applied to teeth with orwithout a brush. After toothpaste application and brushing is completed,the toothpaste and dental powder are rinsed with water and expectorated.Similarly, the mouthwash form of the present invention can becomfortably used in domestic settings, where a person has theopportunity to extensively rinse his or her oral cavity. After the rinseis completed, the mouthwash is usually expectorated and the oral cavityis rinsed with water. It is important to note that any accidentalswallowing will not be harmful given the ascorbic acid's safe nature.

In contrast to the mouthwash and toothpaste forms, which are moresuitable for domestic use, the mouth spray and chewing gum forms of theinvention can be universally used. Although many people are willing totake oral hygiene measures throughout the day, they find those measuresto be inconvenient, and sometimes awkward. For example, they may nothave constant access to a bathroom or a sink feeling unable to usetoothpastes and mouthwashes. Also, they may be uncomfortable being seencarrying around items such as a toothbrush, a toothpaste or a bottle ofmouthwash.

Consequently, there is a great need for oral hygiene products which areconvenient, portable and swallowable. Such products are the mouth sprayand gum forms of the present invention.

Mouth spray requires spraying the solution into the oral cavity andretaining it for about 15 to 90 seconds to allow efficient plaque andtartar removal. After that the solution could be safely swallowed orsimply expectorated. Mouth sprays could be packaged in portable bottlesin order to fit pockets, purses and bags.

Chewing the gum form of the present invention is another form ofuniversal application. Plaque and tartar can be dissolved and dislodgedby chewing the gum for a short time period sufficient to remove plaqueand tartar. Furthermore, a person can continue chewing the gum evenafter plaque is removed in order to inhibit plaque accumulation andtartar formation for longer time periods.

Below are example compositions using the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention.

EXAMPLE 1

The first example is a medicated chewing gum containing:

69.0% macticatory gum core

20.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;

0.1% sodium saccharine;

0.5% hydroxyapatite;

0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;

0.24% sodium fluoride;

0.001% blue #1;

5.0% zinc citrate trihydrate;

2.0% sucralose;

1.0% polymer coating for sugar-free chiclets;

0.1% sodium benzoate;

1.0% titanium dioxide;

0.859% other ingredients.

EXAMPLE 2

The second example is a tooth powder containing:

70.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;

12.0% tricalciumphosphate or dicalciumphosphate;

0.1% menthol natural crystalline powder;

0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;

0.24% sodium fluoride;

3.0% sodium carbonate peroxide;

5.0% hydrated silica;

5.0% zinc citrate trihydrate;

2.0% sucralose;

0.5% hydroxyapatite;

1.0% titanium dioxide;

0.96% other ingredients.

EXAMPLE 4

The fourth example is a mouthwash with alcohol as deionized watercontaining:

20.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;

10.0% sorbital solution;

0.01% sodium saccharine;

0.2% sodium benzoate;

0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;

0.0001% blue #1;

5.0% zinc citrate;

0.5% hydroxyapatite;

10.0% glycerin;

0.1% paloxamer 407;

0.24% sodium fluoride;

0.1% menthol in denatured alcohol;

0.1% thymol in denatured alcohol;

20.0% denatured alcohol with menthol and thymol;

33% deionized water;

0.5499% other ingredients.

EXAMPLE 5

The fifth example is a toothpaste containing:

34.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;

10.0% sorbital powder;

0.5% hydroyapatite crystals;

0.01% sodium saccharine;

0.2% sodium benzoate;

0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;

5.0% zinc citrate trihydrate;

30.0% glycerin anhydrous;

0.24% sodium fluoride;

3.0% calcium orthophates;

5.0% hydrated silica;

10.0% tricalcuim phosphate;

1.0% sodium lauryl sulfate;

0.85% other ingredients.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedwith specific examples, it is to be understood that the disclosure isnot limited to those specific examples and that various other changes,combinations and modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventionwhich is to be determined with reference to the following claims.

1-6. (canceled)
 7. A composition for removal and inhibition of plaqueand tartar, comprising: a) pure ascorbic acid; b) an enamel-repairingcomponent; and c) water.
 8. The composition as claimed in claim 7wherein enamel-repairing component is hydroxyapatite
 9. The compositionas claimed in claim 8 wherein said hydroxyapatite repairs any damage toteeth caused by said pure ascorbic. acid.
 10. The composition as claimedin claim 8 wherein said hydroxyapatite is in an amount of up to about0.5% by weight.
 11. The composition as claimed in claim 7 furtherincluding ingredients selected from a group consisting of: a) glycerin;b) polymer; c) zinc citrate; d) sodium saccharine; e) sodium benzoate;f) flavoring agents, and combinations thereof.
 12. The composition asclaimed in claim 7 wherein said composition is in the form of one ofmouthwash and mouth spray.
 13. A composition for removal and inhibitionof plaque and tartar, comprising: a) pure ascorbic acid; b) anenamel-repairing component; and c) alcohol.
 14. The composition asclaimed in claim 13, wherein enamel-repairing component ishydroxyapatite.
 15. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein saidhydroxyapatite repairs any damage to teeth caused by said pure ascorbicacid.
 16. The composition as claimed in claim 13, further includingingredients selected from a group consisting of: a) water; b) glycerin;c) polymers; d) zinc citrate; e) sodium saccharine; f) sodium benzoate;g) flavoring agents, and combinations thereof.
 17. The composition asclaimed in claim 13, wherein said composition is in the form of one ofmouthwash and mouth spray.
 18. A method of removal and inhibition ofplaque and tartar, said method comprising: a) taking into the mouth pureascorbic acid and hydroxyapatite in the form of one of dental powder anddental paste in an amount effective to remove and inhibit plaque andtartar; b) maintaining said pure ascorbic acid in the mouth for a periodof time sufficient to remove and inhibit plaque and tartar; c)expectorating one of said dental paste and dental powder; d) rinsing themouth with water; and e) expectorating said water.
 19. The method asclaimed in claim 18, further comprising the step of using a dental toolto further remove plaque and tartar.
 20. The method as claimed in claim18, wherein one of said dental powder and dental paste further includesingredients selected from a group consisting of tricalcium phosphate,menthol powder, zinc citrate, sodium carbonate peroxide, hydratedsilica, sodium saccharine, fluoride, flavoring agents, and combinationsthereof.
 21. A method of removal and inhibition of plaque and tartar,said method comprising: a) taking into the mouth pure ascorbic acid andhydroxyapatite in the form of one of mouthwash and mouth spray, in anamount effective to remove and inhibit plaque and tartar; b) maintainingone of said mouthwash and said mouth spray in the mouth for a period oftime sufficient to remove and inhibit plaque and tartar; c)expectorating one of said mouthwash and said mouth spray; d) rinsing themouth with water; and e) expectorating said water. 22-23. (canceled) 24.The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein one of said mouthwash andmouth spray includes ingredients selected from a group consisting ofglycerin, polymer, zinc citrate, sodium saccharine, sodium benzoate,fluoride, flavoring agents, and combinations thereof
 25. A method ofremoval and inhibition of plaque and tartar, said method comprising:taking into the mouth pure ascorbic acid and hydroxyapatite in the formof gum in an amount effective to remove and inhibit plaque and tartar;b) chewing said gum for a period of time sufficient to remove andinhibit plaque and tartar. 26-35. (canceled)
 36. A plaque and tartarremoval and prevention substance with enamel strengthening, repairingand protecting qualities for oral hygiene comprising: a highconcentration of ascorbic acid for plaque and tartar removal, at least70% ascorbic acid; a blend of hydroxyapatite crystals and sodiumfluoride sufficient to strengthen tooth enamel, protect the tooth enamelagainst acid damage and repair fissures in the enamel in which plaquecausing bacteria collect, the blend containing being between 0.2-0.5%hydroxyapatite crystals and about 0.24% sodium fluoride; and an amountof zinc citrate trihydrate sufficient to prevent plaque adherence to thetooth enamel.
 37. The plaque and tartar removal and prevention substanceof claim 36 wherein combining a sufficient quantity of the plaque andtartar removal and prevention substance with saliva in a mouth forms aliquid that chemically dissolves and detaches plaque from teeth, gum andtongue and quickly breaks a barrier between the teeth and calcifiedtartar.
 38. The plaque and tartar removal and prevention substance ofclaim 37 further comprising: an amount of tricalcium phosphate to use ascarrier for the ascorbic acid, the amount being between 10-20%tricalcium phosphate.
 39. The plaque and tartar removal and preventionsubstance of claim 38 further comprising: an amount of hydrated silicasufficient to use as a whitener, the amount being between 5-7% hydratedsilica.
 40. The plaque and tartar removal and prevention substance ofclaim 39 further comprising: an amount of sodium carbonate peroxidesufficient to use as a whitener, the amount being between 3-5% sodiumcarbonate peroxide.
 41. The plaque and tartar removal and preventionsubstance of claim 40 further comprising: an amount of mentholsufficient to use as an anesthetic and counterirritant, the amount beingbetween 0.1-0.2% menthol.
 42. The plaque and tartar removal andprevention substance of claim 41 further comprising: an amount oftitanium dioxide, the amount being about 1.0% titanium dioxide.
 43. Theplaque and tartar removal and prevention substance of claim 42 furthercomprising: an amount of sodium benzoate sufficient to use as apreservative, the amount being between 0.2-0.4% sodium benzoate.
 44. Theplaque and tartar removal and prevention substance of claim 43 furthercomprising: an amount of sweeteners, flavoring agents and coloringagents.
 45. The plaque and tartar removal and prevention substance ofclaim 44 wherein the substance is a tooth powder.
 46. The plaque andtartar removal and prevention substance of claim 45 further comprising:an amount of bioactive ingredients.
 47. A plaque and tartar removal andprevention substance with enamel strengthening, repairing and protectingqualities for oral hygiene comprising: a high concentration of ascorbicacid for plaque and tartar removal, at least 34% ascorbic acid; a blendof hydroxyapatite crystals and sodium fluoride sufficient to strengthentooth enamel, protect the tooth enamel against acid damage and repairfissures in the enamel in which plaque causing bacteria collect, theblend containing being between 0.2-0.5% hydroxyapatite crystals andabout 0.24% sodium fluoride; an amount of zinc citrate trihydratesufficient to prevent plaque adherence to the tooth enamel; and anamount of glycerin anhydrous.
 48. The plaque and tartar removal andprevention substance of claim 47 wherein combining a sufficient quantityof the plaque and tartar removal and prevention substance with saliva ina mouth forms a liquid that chemically dissolves and detaches plaquefrom teeth, gum and tongue and quickly breaks a barrier between theteeth and calcified tartar.
 49. The plaque and tartar removal andprevention substance of claim 47 further comprising: an amount oftricalcium phosphate used as carrier for the ascorbic acid, the amountbeing between 10-20% tricalcium phosphate.
 50. The plaque and tartarremoval and prevention substance of claim 49 further comprising: anamount of hydrated silica sufficient to use as a whitener, the amountbeing between 5-7% hydrated silica.
 51. The plaque and tartar removaland prevention substance of claim 50 further comprising: an amount ofsodium saccharine sufficient to used as a sweetener, the amount beingbetween 0.1-0.2% sodium saccharine.
 52. The plaque and tartar removaland prevention substance of claim 51 wherein the substance is atoothpaste.
 53. A plaque and tartar removal and prevention substancewith enamel strengthening, repairing and protecting qualities for oralhygiene on a user's teeth, gum and tongue comprising: a highconcentration of ascorbic acid for plaque and tartar removal, at least70% ascorbic acid; a blend of hydroxyapatite crystals and sodiumfluoride sufficient to strengthen tooth enamel, protect tooth enamelagainst acid damage and repair fissures in the enamel in which plaquecausing bacteria collect, the blend containing being between 0.2-0.5%hydroxyapatite crystals and about 0.24% sodium fluoride; and an amountof zinc citrate trihydrate sufficient to prevent plaque adherence to thetooth enamel, wherein the substance chemically dissolves and detachesplaque and tartar from the user's teeth, gum and tongue.
 54. The plaqueand tartar removal and prevention substance of claim 53 whereincombining a sufficient quantity of the plaque and tartar removal andprevention substance with saliva in a mouth forms a liquid thatchemically dissolves and detaches plaque from the user's teeth, gum andtongue and quickly breaks a barrier between the teeth and calcifiedtartar.
 55. The plaque and tartar removal and prevention substance ofclaim 54 further comprising: an amount of tricalcium phosphate used ascarrier for the ascorbic acid, the amount being between 10-20%tricalcium phosphate.
 56. The plaque and tartar removal and preventionsubstance of claim 55 further comprising: an amount of hydrated silicasufficient to use as a whitener the amount being between 5-7% hydratedsilica.